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Swimming bans lifted at Chicago beaches

CBS News Live
CBS News Chicago Live

CHICAGO (CBS) -- After posting a swim ban for the second day in a row, because the water quality didn't meet safe swimming standards, the Chicago Park District reversed the ban Tuesday afternoon and replaced the red flags with green flags for most city beaches. 

The bans started after Sunday's torrential rain, which forced the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District to release sewer water into Lake Michigan. While some bans were lifted on Monday, they returned by Tuesday morning.

Tuesday afternoon, the Park District allowed swimming to resume at all Chicago beaches, although yellow flags were flying at Leone Beach and Marion Mahony Griffin Beach on the North Side, due to water quality concerns. Swimming at those two beaches is allowed, but should be aware of bacteria E coli levels.

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